1. RIVER ATBARA (TEKEZZE) BASIN By: Eng. Hayder Yousif Bakhiet Director/ Nile Waters Dept. Ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources Kasala/ March 2007

2. Basin Description: Location: Location: Lies between Lat.12 : 30 & 15 : 00 N Long. 35 : 40 & 39:40 ELies between Lat.12 : 30 & 15 : 00 N Long. 35 : 40 & 39:40 E Tributaries: Tributaries: There are many small tributaries and the main two are: Atbara & Setit (Takazze). They joined inside Sudan D/S AlShouakThere are many small tributaries and the main two are: Atbara & Setit (Takazze). They joined inside Sudan D/S AlShouak Area: Area: Tekazze river flows from the most remote source a distance of 1216 Km to the confluence with river Atbara, covers an area of 68,800 square Km Ethiopia, Sudan & EriteriaTekazze river flows from the most remote source a distance of 1216 Km to the confluence with river Atbara, covers an area of 68,800 square Km Ethiopia, Sudan & Eriteria Atbara Basin area above and below the confluence is 31,400 and 43,600 square Km. respectively.Atbara Basin area above and below the confluence is 31,400 and 43,600 square Km. respectively. Rainfall: Rainfall: Rainfall season is shorter than the Blue Nile Basin, average annual is 950 mm (Aug. – Sept.)Rainfall season is shorter than the Blue Nile Basin, average annual is 950 mm (Aug. – Sept.) It is dry (not completely) from November to May.It is dry (not completely) from November to May.

3. The Tagazze lies in a deep ravine a few hundred meters wide at the bottom, shut in by steep rocky hillsides. The Tagazze lies in a deep ravine a few hundred meters wide at the bottom, shut in by steep rocky hillsides. The highest point of the Atbara (Takazze) Basin is about 3500 m. The highest point of the Atbara (Takazze) Basin is about 3500 m. The average level of the catchment area is 1750 m. The average level of the catchment area is 1750 m. For the greater part of the Basin inside Sudan, the Basin is well below the general level of the plain. For the greater part of the Basin inside Sudan, the Basin is well below the general level of the plain. The plain width is between 1 to more than 4 Km. and the actual trough is 100 to 300 m. The plain width is between 1 to more than 4 Km. and the actual trough is 100 to 300 m. The slope of River Atbara inside Sudan is 45 cm/km. The slope of River Atbara inside Sudan is 45 cm/km. The topography is rough and uneven The topography is rough and uneven

4. Land Use & Climate The climate is arid The climate is arid Natural vegetation is sparse, with some acacia scrub, scattered bushes & Dom palms. Natural vegetation is sparse, with some acacia scrub, scattered bushes & Dom palms. People along the river relied on livestock and small areas of irrigation land. People along the river relied on livestock and small areas of irrigation land. Estimated annual sediment load carried by the river Atbara is about 30 million tones. Estimated annual sediment load carried by the river Atbara is about 30 million tones.

5. Available Hydrological Records Data are available for river Atbara & Setit cover the period 1911 – Date. Data are available for river Atbara & Setit cover the period 1911 – Date. Average annual flow of river Setit is 9.500 Milliar cubic meters, river Atbara is 3.0 Milliar cubic meters. Average annual flow of river Setit is 9.500 Milliar cubic meters, river Atbara is 3.0 Milliar cubic meters. Total annual of river Atbara measured at Alshouak is 12.5 Milliard cubic m. Total annual of river Atbara measured at Alshouak is 12.5 Milliard cubic m.

6. River Atbara Gauge Hydrograph

7. River Atbara Flow Hydrograph

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